LEARNING PATH: IBM Cognos Business Intelligence Suite Guide

Name: LEARNING PATH: IBM Cognos Business Intelligence Suite Guide
Rating: 4.3 (138 reviews)

Master business intelligence concepts with ease!

Created byPackt Publishing

Last updated 12/2017

English

What you'll learn

Learn to navigating around the Cognos BI application
Understand the different applications in Cognos and when to use Query Studio or Report Studio
Built adhoc reports to accomplish quick, on-the-fly reporting requirements
Create more complex reports that can be used by multiple users for multiple requirements
Develop charts, graphs, and dashboards for macro views of micro data and drill into that micro data

Course content

3 sections • 71 lectures • 4h 24m total length

The Course Overview1:02
This video provides an overview of the entire course.
Navigating Report Studio5:48
New to Cognos? Ok! Let’s take a look around to get the hang of the interface.
• Get acquainted with the menu and toolbars
• Understand the explorer bar and how to traverse the page, query, and condition explorers
• Understand the various tabs: Sources, data, functions, parameters, and macros
Types of Reports4:49
There are report templates for most items you will need, or start with a blank slate and create your own.
• Select a report type from the Cognos provided templates: List, crosstab, chart, or others
• Add a table and have multiple data containers on one report page
• Use one query (or multiple queries) for all objects or multiple objects
Adding Data6:48
In this video, we will add data and start building our report.
• Don’t forget the dropzone—the blinking line between two solid lines.
• When you add data to a report page, it’s added to the query automatically. Adding data to the query is not automatically added to the report page.
• Custom fields are a great means to truly customize your BI products. Get familiar with all of the functions available.
Filters5:00
Adding fixed filters can help reduce data returned on a report during development, and later on we will see how filters will secure the data.
• Start with fixed filters over dynamic ones when developing; this saves time between testing report runs
• You can disable a filter or delete it in case you want to use it again later; this is handy during testing
• Get familiar with your data whether it’s a number or string; the syntax you will use for filters will require that
Prompts5:12
Prompts are a great way to build in dynamic filters into the report.
• Create a new query using the Product lines for the data set
• Use a value prompt and map that prompt to the product line query
• Create a filter in your main query using the data filtered by the value prompt
Formatting Reports4:50
We will put finishing touches to our report in this video. Always be sure to save formatting for the last step!
• Let’s add a dynamic report title using a Layout Calculation and a function
• Next, let’s group the data by product line and product type
• Finally, let’s add in subtotals and change some of the colors of the subtotal/total lines
Prompt Pages6:47
Prompt pages are a great design means to put all prompts together into one or multiple pages. We can even make the prompts dynamic to make the report behave as a web application.
• Add a new prompt page from Page Explorer
• Add a table for page design and drag in new prompts
• Link queries to the prompts and then add the parameters as filters in the main query
Conditional Formatting and Variables4:01
Conditional formatting and variables are great ways to show data outliers or hide unneeded fields in a report. Combine these with prompts for a truly dynamic report experience.
• Add new variables from the Condition Explorer
• Use the properties to select the list column ancestor
• Link the variable to the list column render property
Joins and Unions5:22
Not all joins can be perfected in the framework. In this video, we’ll go through creating custom joins and unions in Report Studio.
• Create two queries with a common field to join on or identical query fields for a union
• Drag a join or union into the Query Explorer
• Join the common fields together and then drag the fields into the join/union output
Creating Dashboards7:57
Let’s turn that simple report into a dashboard in this video. We will mix numerical with graphical data for a simple dashboard that can be easily enhanced.
• On a report page, use tables to design the look and feel of your dashboard
• Add multiple objects that is lists/charts in the report page
• Link multiple objects to a single query for optimal results
Drill Through Reports4:30
While everyone loves charts and graphs in their report, they often lead to many questions. In this video, we will use drill through reports so that users can drill into the details behind their graphical data.
• Select the chart or other objects to drill through
• Under properties, select drill through definitions
• Select the drill through report and values/parameters to pass to the destination report
Active Reports4:34
Active reports are a great way to deploy automated reports and dashboards without the users requiring to be connected to Cognos or the database behind it.
• Convert your report to an active report from the file convert to active report menu option
• Look at the new objects in the toolbox that are available
• Use the new tools for a truly dynamic experience, such as tab controls based on report data
Navigating Cognos Administration2:15
Create Cognos specific groups and add users or AD groups to facilitate rolling out Cognos security.
• From the Launch menu at the top of the screen, click on Cognos Administration
• Add groups/roles from under the security tab
• Add users to the groups or roles
Securing Reports3:40
In this video, you will learn how to secure individual reports by modifying permissions and adding or restricting groups.
• Use the groups/roles previously set up
• Click on report properties, then on the permissions tab
• Grant or deny read, execute, traverse permissions for the new groups/roles
Securing Directories3:09
Too many reports to secure? No problem, let’s go ahead and secure some directories.
• Similar to securing reports, secure folders or directories instead
• Subdirectories need to have permission at the parent level
• Also ensure that the package has the same group/role access
Securing the Data3:20
Sometimes securing a report isn’t enough. In this video, you will learn how to restrict sensitive data from viewers by hard coding some filters into a report.
• Hard code filters in the reports for various business units
• Don’t forget to hard code prompts
• Test the report, then use report/directory security to augment
Using Macros3:11
Macros aren’t often used but have great dynamic options, such as only allowing a consumer to see product lines that they manage.
• Click on the macros tab to see what options are available
• Learn useful functions such as CSVIdentityNameList
• Use group/role names creatively to dynamically filter reports
Changing Packages1:57
Need to change packages after you have already started development? No problem!
• Did your package move? Go to report properties and link the package location
• Alternatively, open report and from File, click on Report Package
• Select a new package or a new package location, then click on ok.
Adding Javascript2:15
JavaScript can be a handy tool for some advanced techniques in Report Studio.
• Don’t recreate the wheel; lots of creative JavaScript already exists on the internet
• Add HTML items before and after the object you wish to alter
• Paste in the JavaScript into the HTML items and test!
Linking Multiple Objects to One Query2:04
Keep development simple using fewer queries to drive more report objects. If a report page has a chart and list that use the same date, have them both use the same query.
• Select an object, then under properties, change the query from Query1 to your existing query
• Right click while dragging an object onto a report, then select the existing query
• Keep report design simple, minimizing queries when possible
Page Breaking on Groups1:48
Page Breaking on Groups helps present data to keep like data together, for example, by product line or region.
• Add groups to the list on the report page
• Add in a page set in the Page Explorer
• Drag the report page into the details of the Page Explorer and select the page break group
Cascading Prompts1:56
Facilitate prompting and overall user experience by enabling cascading prompts, where what you select with one prompt will lead to options available on the next prompt.
• Add two or more prompts to the prompt page
• Select the 2nd prompt and under properties, click on the ellipsis next to Cascade Source
• Select the 1st prompt when the window opens and click on ok
Working with SQL4:04
Whether you have complex datasets or just a quick requirement to extract data using SQL instead of framework modifications is a great way to get the data exactly how you need it.
• In Query Explorer, click and drag a SQL query into the query window
• Double click on the SQL icon and start coding the SQL. Validate when done
• Open the query linked to the SQL then test the data
Handling BLOBs and CLOBs2:34
More databases are taking advantage of using BLOB or CLOB fields. Here’s how to handle those in your reports to prevent errors from displaying.
• Cast the data as a varchar such as cast([Data Item], varchar(XX)
• Start with a large enough number (XX) in the varchar statement
• Reduce the number until the report no longer throws an error
IBM Cognos Report Studio

The Course Overview2:49
This video provides an overview of the entire course.
The Four Steps to Report Development4:42
Discover the best practice approach for developing meaningful reports in Cognos.
• Design is the most im-portant step, it sets you down the right path
• Build THEN test; testing is just as im-portant as designing and building
• Now you can format, and hopefully have no rework!
Navigating Cognos Connection6:39
Become comfortable with navigating around Cognos-Connection.
• Discover packages and what various icons mean
• Create folders and move reports into folders
• Change default run options and set per-missions
Changing Your Pref-erences5:02
The default Cognos setup may not be perfect for all users.
• Set how many entry lines are visible, change the style, format, time zone, and more
• View what groups and roles you belong to, and what your capabilities are
• Organize and create new portal tabs, such as my Folders
Report Management3:28
Get organized! Keep reports orga-nized by role, function, department, or organization to facilitate finding reports and also deploying security later on.
• Locate a directory requiring organization
• Create folders based on the role or func-tion
• Move the reports into their respective fold-ers
Portal Tabs3:52
Create a portal for the returns department of your organization so the users can quickly and easily run the reports they need.
• Create the portal, set the properties, name the portlets, and map them to each other
• Link the reports to be used to the portal
• Run and test the portal, then add it as a tab to our portal tabs
Running Reports3:52
Now that we have some organization to our Cognos environment, let’s run some reports!
• Locate reports created by Report Studio, Query Studio, or Workspace Advanced, then click on the links
• Change your run options to PDF, Excel, or CSV; either in the report or defaulted
• Learn how drill through reports work by clicking on their links inside reports
Report Views4:25
Instead of creating one report per country specific revenue, you can use report views to use one report for all countries.
• Create a view from inside the report, using the prompt settings used when running the report
• Create a view from Cognos Connection, without running the report first
• Keep your views or-ganized with folders and effective report names
Scheduling Reports4:54
Why run the same report every week at the same time, let’s have Cognos do this for us automatically.
• Take the report view we just created and decide run frequency: hourly, daily, weekly, and so on
• Decide if we want the report e-mailed as an attachment or as a link to the report
• Customize the e-mail, disable the schedule, or set an end date to the schedule
Navigating Workspace Advanced4:51
New to Cognos Workspace Ad-vanced? No problem, you’ll be a pro in a few minutes.
• Launch the application, select a package, then choose a list or crosstab report
• You can either use menu-based or icon-based tools to build your reports
• Save often, save new versions, and don’t be afraid of the undo button
Selecting a Package2:32
Packages (or models) are sets of metadata that allow Workspace Ad-vanced to connect to your database using human friendly names and joins.
• You select a package when you create a new report, either when opening Workspace Ad-vanced or clicking on New from the menu
• You can only have one package per re-port, so become fa-miliar with what packages you have
• If you select the wrong package, you can always create a new report and select a different package
Adding Data3:44
This is where report building be-comes fun.
• With the package se-lected, start adding que-ry items to your report by dragging and drop-ping
• Be mindful of the drop zone, the area where you can add data items into an object
• Take your time, you can always add more fields later, and re-move fields you don’t need
Adding Filters3:08
Every report has its purpose, and we use filters to get to that purpose, oth-erwise a report is just a bunch of data.
• Select one group of data to narrow down your sample set while building the report
• Decide if you want to make the filter required, optional, or disabled
• You can always edit or change filters later
Grouping Data3:29
Grouping data puts like data together to facilitate analysis and data consumption.
• You can have multiple groups, and nest them inside one another
• Start grouping from left to right, moving fields around as needed
• Remember that if you add totals later, Cognos will add subtotals to each group
Custom Fields3:29
Not every package is perfect, and in some cases we’ll need to create cus-tom fields to make them closer to perfect. Luckily, this is easy to do in Workspace Advanced.
• Click and drag a Query Calculation into the report object (list, cross-tab, and so on)
• Set the Query Calcu-lation as a Calculated Measure and insert the formula, text, or other data
• You can always use canned functions, or type the formula out by hand
Formatting4:23
Don’t forget to save this step for last, otherwise you may be formatting a report that doesn’t work correctly.
• Add in subtotals for columns that are nu-meric
• Set fields as num-bers or percent with the correct number of decimal places
• Change fonts, sizes, colors, and borders as needed
Exporting Data3:55
Now run the report to all formats (PDF, Excel, CSV) to ensure the re-port renders as desired.
• You may need to do ad-ditional report format-ting if fields roll onto another page (PDF)
• If you run a report as a CSV, change the '.xls' to '.csv' before saving the file to your desktop
• That’s it—you’re done, save the report and distribute to your consumers
IBM Cognos Connection and Workspace Advanced

The Course Overview1:20
This video provides an overview of the entire course.
Navigating2:35
How do we find our way around Framework Manager?
• Learn the various layers
• Take a look at the menus and toolbars
• Examine the basic structure of a project
Modeling Layers2:40
Every Framework project or model has two or three layers, what are they?
• Start with the database layer and its importance
• Discuss the transformation layer and best practices
• Apply some finishing touches on the presentation layer
Database Layer3:18
What do we do with the database layer?
• Add some tables to the layer
• Create joins between the tables
• Test the results of the joins
Transformation Layer3:20
What do we do with the transformation layer?
• Start transforming the data into a human friendly format
• Learn how to create or edit query items
• Learn how to create custom fields and formats
Presentation Layer4:49
What do we do with the presentation layer?
• Create shortcuts from the transformation layer
• Learn how a good presentation layer saves time for the report developers
• Learn how a good presentation layer will facilitate rolling out security later on
Namespaces4:10
What are namespaces?
• They are similar to folders are used to facilitate security applications
• Create groups in Cognos Administration
• Restrict access to namespaces by group or role
Folders2:40
Let’s organize our data with folders.
• Create some folders
• Edit folders and/or move data into folders
• Arrange our query items by type by folder
Model Advisor3:14
Let’s QA our data using the Model Advisor.
• Learn what the Model Advisor is
• Understand how and when to use the Model Advisor
• Learn the benefits of using the Model Advisor
Importing Data Sources2:27
More than one database? Let’s add another data source.
• Learn where to add a data source inside Framework Manager
• Add the data source to Cognos Administration
• Test the data source
Joins and Cardinality3:49
Let’s get an understanding on where to apply joins and cardinality inside the model.
• Learn where to create joins
• Examine existing joins
• Edit existing joins
Creating the Three Layers3:31
Starting with a clean slate, what do we do?
• Create the three layers for our project
• Look at other options for layers
• Get a general understanding of each layer
Adding Data to the Data Layer3:26
We’ll learn how to add a table.
• Add some tables to the data layer
• Test the tables we added to make sure they connect correctly
• Learn some best practices during each step
Transforming the Data3:36
We have raw data, let’s start how we can transform it.
• Create query subjects and query items at this point
• Test the data to make sure its flowing correctly
• Learn some best practices during each step
Adding Items to the Presentation Layer3:43
Let’s finalize our data in the presentation layer.
• Develop the presentation layer by means of shortcuts from the transformation layer
• Learn when to use namespaces versus folders
• Learn some best practices during each step
Adding Filters2:33
We need to filter the data going to Report Studio and Workspace Advanced, how do we fix that?
• Create some new filters or edit existing ones
• Learn when and why to use filters
• Include macros in the filters
Adding Calculations3:09
Need to add some custom fields? No problem.
• Learn how to use built in functions to create custom fields
• Build a custom field
• Learn some best practices when creating custom fields
Formatting Query Items4:14
Not all fields were created equal, let’s format the fields for how our report writers need them.
• Set aggregation types
• Learn how to define query item properties
• Use the cast function to force formats
Creating Packages3:24
We need to create a new package, what do we do?
• Create a new package by right clicking on the Packages area and clicking new package
• Select some queries to publish inside the package
• Learn some different options when publishing queries
Publishing Packages2:42
Now it’s time to publish the package.
• Publish our package for the first time
• Look at how many versions we want to save
• Look at where to save and verifying the model prior to publishing
Editing Projects4:27
Already have an existing model? Let’s edit it.
• Go through some tips/tricks for editing existing projects
• Look at ways to validate the data
• Look at modifying the package as a result of our edits
Model Advisor2:54
As we edit our model, how do we QA our work?
• Analyze the new objects we added
• Analyze any new relationships
• Finally, prior to publishing our package we will review again
Transaction History2:50
How do we debut errors or review what we have previously done?
• Answer- transaction history
• Review our transaction history
• Learn how to read and correct any bad prior transactions
Users, Groups, and Roles4:11
We need to organize our Cognos users, what do we do?
• Answer- group the users into various groups and roles
• Let’s add users to various groups/roles
• Discuss best practices with Cognos and Active Directory
Filters3:39
We need to filter the data before it can get to the report developers.
• Discuss when to use a filter
• Learn how to add filters
• Test the results
Macros2:57
What about dynamic filtering?
• Use macros based on user ID’s, groups, or roles
• Learn how to filter based on macros
• Learn how to see what macros are picked up on our user ID
Package Security3:08
What if we need to secure our data at the package level?
• Discuss package security concepts
• Show you how to override package permission
Object Security4:09
You can also go one level deeper with security by securing objects inside a package.
• Look at some best practices with object security
• Secure various types of objects in the model
• Discuss ways to test the security application was successful
Data Security3:39
Sometimes package and object security aren’t enough, you need data security.
• Discuss when to use data security
• Show you how to secure data using filters
• Show you how to secure data in the transformation and data layer
IBM Cognos Framework Manager

Requirements

Understanding of basic BI concepts is required.

Description

IBM Cognos BI is a web-based report development tool designed to create anything from simple list reports to complex multi-page dashboards across multiple databases. Framework Manager is a part of the IBM Cognos Business Intelligence suite that allows users to model data to facilitate report development and delivery. Framework Manager acts as the middleware between the database and report-writing tools such as Workspace Advanced and Report Studio. So if you are a business intelligence professional looking to get an insight of the IBM Cognos Business intelligence suite, then go for this Learning Path. The highlights of this Learning Path are:

Become comfortable navigating around the Cognos BI application
Understand the different applications in Cognos and when to use Query Studio or Report Studio
Master complex reports that can be used by multiple users for multiple requirements

Let’s take a look at your learning journey. To start off with, you will learn best practices for navigating Report Studio, the types of reports available, adding data, creating fixed filters, creating prompts and formatting. You will then learn advanced topics such as prompt pages, variables, joints/unions, dashboards, drill-through reports, and active reports. You will also learn to secure your reporting environment through Cognos Administration thus securing your reports/directories/data, and the use of macros. Next, you will understand how to efficiently analyze your data and create visually appealing reports and dashboards with IBM Cognos Business Intelligence. You will learn how to navigate and master the components of a model or package. You will then learn to design, build, deploy, and test your models. Finally, you will apply security to the model you have built. By the end of this Learning Path, you will be able to create stunning reports and dashboards to get actionable insights using IBM Cognos Business Intelligence.

Meet Your Experts:

We have the best works of the following esteemed author to ensure that your learning journey is smooth:

Aaron Solar has involvement in both manufacturing and service industries across multiple sectors. He has 20+ years of experience in BI, financial system, accounting, and business intelligence. His depth of experience from IT and MIS demands continual process improvement and automation within departmental operations as well as zero tolerance for inaccuracies in management systems. He is currently a consultant for Aronson LLC, a firm based in Rockville, MD.

Who this course is for:

This Learning Path is targeted at business intelligence professionals looking to get an insight of the IBM Cognos Business intelligence suite.

LEARNING PATH: IBM Cognos Business Intelligence Suite Guide

What you'll learn

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Course content

IBM Cognos Report Studio25 lectures • 1hr 39min

IBM Cognos Connection and Workspace Advanced17 lectures • 1hr 9min

IBM Cognos Framework Manager29 lectures • 1hr 37min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: